Although my website is dedicated to TRUSU clubs and the events they organize, today’s post is about a major event organized on the initiative of one student. On November 21, Thompson Rivers University held its annual Rail Riot snowboarding and skiing street festival, an event entirely created and organized by TRU students.

This year, Rail Riot brought together athletes from Kamloops and neighbouring cities to showcase their snowboarding and skiing skills. The competition took place on the stair railings next to the nursing building, where athletes performed tricks, jumps, and rail slides for a large audience. Admission was completely free, allowing everyone from students to casual passersby to come in and cheer.

To learn more about the organization of this unique event, I interviewed Justin Tarasoff, a TRU student and the main organizer of Rail Riot. Justin talked about the origins of the festival and what inspired him to create this event. He explained how the team collects snow to build the pavilion, how he conceived the idea for such a festival, the main idea behind the event, and how people can participate.

Rail Riot continues to grow each year, and Justin’s passion reflects the reason why. His vision, along with the hard work of the organizing team, has turned the festival into one of TRU’s most exciting student traditions. Stay tuned for the full interview, where Justin talks more about the creativity, logistics, and spirit of Rail Riot.